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STRATFORD, Conn. — Stratford native Patrick Pantalone, a 1997 graduate of Stratford High, is reaching out to his hometown in hopes of finding a kidney donor for a life-saving transplant.

Pantalone was diagnosed nearly four years ago with IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease. He must undergo dialysis treatment two to three days per week for five to six hours at a time.

He has an artificial vein in his arm because his veins could not handle the dialysis, and he also suffers from blood clots that require surgery.

Pantalone has been on the waiting list for a kidney for three years, but the artificial vein and clots make his need for a kidney urgent.

The ideal candidate for a kidney donor would have O+ blood type and be in good health. A person can live well with one kidney.

The Sterling House community, where Pantalone played soccer and was a referee, is joining the efforts to spread the word in hopes that someone from Pantalone's hometown can save his life with a kidney transplant.

Patrick Pantalone, his wife Marisol, and his two children, Alessandro, 9, and Gabriella, 5, currently live in Simsbury.

Anyone interested in being tested to be a match for Patrick Pantalone is asked to call the Hartford Transplant Program at 860-972-4219.